Google Cloud to help underrepresented groups find careers in the channel through the new Katalyst program

Google Cloud has introduced a new program designed to help disadvantaged people in the UK start a career in the cloud technology and data sector.

Called Project Katalyst, the initiative is designed to increase the range of talent available in the market and prepare participants for their first role working with Google Cloud partners.

It targets people representing gender balance, ethnic minority communities and people who are not in education, work or training, or who suffer from mental or physical health.

Richard Regan, Head of Partner Engineering at Google Cloud, said: “We wanted to do something locally to help grow the pool of skilled people available, ideally to join underrepresented groups.

This was the genesis of Project Katalyst: creating a program that provides equal access to employment opportunities for young people who may not have had the chance to go to university, giving underrepresented groups a path to rewarding, well-paid and a growing technology sector. “

Google Cloud and its charity partner Generation UK have worked together to develop the new cloud program.

The 12-week course will consist of both technical and soft skills development, where participants will complete Google Cloud Digital Leader certification after certification as an Associate Cloud Engineer in the first six months of joining a Google Cloud Partner.

Participants will then meet and interview for confirmed roles in Google Cloud partners with an expected annual salary of up to £ 30,000 in London.

Regan said: “Google is already doing a lot to make the workplace as inclusive as possible. For me, the Katalyst program helps us bring some of this involvement to our partners and the wider communities in which we live.

“Growing up, I always thought that one day I would be a teacher, following in my mother’s footsteps. Although I have taken a different path in my career, it is fantastic for me to have the opportunity through this program to enable career-changing careers, supporting others to learn and hopefully to enjoy working with Google Cloud as much as I, in part, a dream come true that I once had. “